Return policy comparison · 2026
E-file.com vs Monarch
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
E-file.com
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
Monarch
B+
3.4 / 5.0 · Good
The verdict
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Monarch's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
E-file.comMonarch
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| E-file.com | Monarch | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (before you print, view, or file your return) | Money-back guarantee (no fixed day count published; case-by-case for direct-billed subscribers) |
| Free returns | Yes (before use) | Yes (members) |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Not applicable - digital tax software, no shipping. | Not applicable (digital subscription) |
| Holiday extension | None published | None published |
| Non-returnable | Purchases become non-refundable once you print the return, view the PDF, or file it; no refund if the IRS rejects your return (correct and retransmit instead) | Subscriptions purchased through Apple's App Store (Monarch cannot refund those directly; you have to request the refund from Apple instead) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
E-file.com tip
Don't click to view or print your PDF until you're sure you want to keep the software - that single action locks you out of a refund, even if you haven't actually filed with the IRS yet.
Monarch tip
If you subscribed through the Apple App Store instead of Monarch's website, don't bother emailing Monarch for a refund — Apple controls that money and Monarch can't touch it, so go straight to Apple's own refund request page.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, E-file.com or Monarch?
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Monarch's B+ (3.4/5.0). It wins 1 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is E-file.com's return window?
E-file.com's return window is 90 days (before you print, view, or file your return).
What is Monarch's return window?
Monarch's return window is Money-back guarantee (no fixed day count published; case-by-case for direct-billed subscribers).
Does E-file.com or Monarch offer free returns?
E-file.com: Yes (before use). Monarch: Yes (members).